[CPEO-MEF] Cal/EPA Advisory Committee on Environmental Justice

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

The following was posted by Joe Lyou < jlyou@EnviroRights.org>
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	Contact:  Dr. Joseph Lyou
June 20, 2003	(310) 536-8237 or jlyou@EnviroRights.org

Agreement Reached on Environmental Justice Proposal

LOS ANGELES – Efforts to address the issue of environmental justice in 
California moved forward yesterday as members of the California 
Environmental Protection Agency’s Advisory Committee on Environmental 
Justice reached agreement on the final draft of their recommendations 
for developing a comprehensive environmental justice program in 
California.

“This could be the turning point for environmental justice policy in 
California,” said
Dr. Joseph Lyou, Executive Director of the California Environmental 
Rights Alliance and a member of the committee.

The report addresses a wide range of public health and environmental 
protection issues.  The most controversial items include efforts to 
incorporate key elements of the Precautionary Principle into Cal/EPA 
decision-making processes and calls for reducing cumulative 
environmental impacts.  The Precautionary Principle places the burden of 
proof on polluters, incorporates community-based concerns, and supports 
alternatives that prevent, minimize, or eliminate environmental harm.  
(See www.sehn.org for more information about the Precautionary 
Principle.)

California law defines environmental justice as “the fair treatment of 
people of all races, cultures, and incomes with respect to the 
development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental 
laws, regulations, and policies.”  Most environmental justice advocates 
endorse a broader definition that focuses on communities of color and 
low-income neighborhoods and incorporates the principles of civil rights 
and environmental protection.

The draft report will go through a 60-day public comment period starting 
July 1st.  The advisory committee expects to finalize the 
recommendations at a two-day meeting, Sept. 29-30, in Oakland, 
California.

The Cal/EPA Advisory Committee on Environmental Justice includes a broad 
range of stakeholders from environmental and community organizations, 
large and small California businesses, and local government and 
environmental regulatory officials.  (See 
www.calepa.ca.gov/EnvJustice/Committee/.)
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